Shiho Kuwaki Wins First Major Title After Dramatic AIG Women’s Open Playoff

ROYAL LYTHAM & ST ANNES — Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki captured her first major championship in spectacular fashion after defeating Germany’s Esther Henseleit in a dramatic two-hole playoff at the AIG Women’s Open. The tournament ended with one of the most memorable finishes in recent major history, as Kuwaki overturned a three-shot deficit during the final round before holding her nerve in extra holes to secure the biggest victory of her career.

Kuwaki entered the final day trailing overnight leader Yealimi Noh by three shots, but remained patient as the challenging conditions at Royal Lytham tested every contender. After an early birdie at the second hole, she briefly slipped back with consecutive bogeys, while Noh extended her lead. However, the Japanese golfer responded impressively, birdieing the ninth and then adding another at the driveable 13th to move into contention as the leaderboard began to tighten dramatically.

Henseleit also mounted a remarkable charge on the back nine. The German golfer recovered from earlier mistakes with birdies at the 11th and 15th holes, briefly drawing level with Kuwaki. After a costly three-putt bogey at the 16th, she appeared to have fallen short, but produced the shot of the tournament on the final hole. From 45 feet away, Henseleit rolled in a stunning birdie putt on the 72nd green, sending the crowd into celebration and forcing the championship’s first playoff in four years.

The playoff returned both players to the par-four 18th hole, where Kuwaki displayed remarkable resilience. After a wayward drive left her in trouble, she produced a brilliant recovery to save par, while Henseleit narrowly missed a 10-foot birdie putt that would have secured the title. On the second extra hole, fortune turned decisively in Kuwaki’s favour when Henseleit’s tee shot struck a marshal’s ankle and ricocheted into a bush. The German was forced to pitch back into the fairway and eventually made bogey, while Kuwaki calmly two-putted for par to complete a dramatic victory.

The triumph continues Japan’s recent dominance in women’s golf, with Kuwaki becoming the second consecutive Japanese champion of the AIG Women’s Open following Miyu Yamashita’s victory last year. Speaking through an interpreter after lifting the trophy, the 24-year-old struggled to contain her emotions. “I just can’t believe it,” she said. “To be on a stage like this is an honour. I focused on every shot and tried to enjoy every moment. To win again for Japan is an amazing feeling.”

Behind the leading pair, Yealimi Noh finished third after a difficult back nine that included several costly bogeys. World No. 1 Nelly Korda and Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul shared fourth place, while English hopes Charley Hull and Lottie Woad ended the tournament in a tie for sixth, four strokes behind the champion. Hull’s challenge was effectively ended by a disappointing start to her final round, while Woad was unable to generate enough momentum to mount a serious title bid.

Kuwaki’s victory was worth $1.5 million and marks a major breakthrough in her career. More importantly, it announced her arrival among the elite players in women’s golf. Her calm recovery play, clutch putting and composure under immense pressure turned a difficult Sunday into an unforgettable triumph at one of the sport’s most historic venues.